Have you ever wanted to visit a country yet when you tell your friends and family they go crazy because it’s too dangerous for you to go there? If you’ve ever thought of visiting Venezuela, that probably happened to you. So, what can you do? You want to visit the country, but you also appreciate your life. Would you give it a chance if I gave you all the security measures on how not to get robbed in Venezuela? Let’s get started then.
1. Be cautious.
Precaution is the key to guarantee your personal security. Your chances of being assaulted in Venezuela depend a 90% on precaution, a 5% on reaction and a 5% on luck. I know this can be annoying, you’re just traveling, why would you have to act like a paranoid person during your entire trip? Well, just think of it as living the entire experience of being in Venezuela and living like a local.
2. Always be alert and pay attention to what’s happening around you.
You might be thinking “Ok, I could try it, I can be cautious, but what exactly do I have to be cautious about?” Analyze the behavior of the people surrounding you. Focus on the people that look suspicious and pay attention to their eyes and hands.
Look out for people you’ve found more than twice since this is not likely to happen in crowded places and it’s possible that you’re being chased. If you think that’s the case, enter a busy shop or place. If the person enters too or stays outside watching, you’re probably under the victim selection process. Approach the security staff so they realize you’re not an easy target.
If there’s no security staff, try to not bring more attention to you. Don’t get your phone out, act calm and try to communicate with the people around you so that they can help you. As soon as you stop being alone, you’ll be safer.
3. Find locals that can go with you everywhere you need to.
This may seem like an inconvenience, but it’s your best choice to avoid being targeted. Find someone to guide you through the places you’ll be visiting. Being with a local will be the safest for you. Make sure it’s someone you trust and can communicate with.
4. Keep your money in different places.
A possible assaulter has no way of knowing how much money you carry and where you keep it, unless they’ve been chasing you for a while and you’ve been pretty obvious about it. That’s why I tell you to be cautious! For this reason, in case you get assaulted, you can give them the money you had in one place and pretend that’s exactly how much you have. However, you’ll still have part of your money in a safer place.
You can hide your money in bags, different pockets, under your shirt, in your shoes, in your socks (even though getting it out will be a hassle), in your bra, and many more. Ask your companion and I’m sure they’ll give you even more options.
5. Keep objects of value out of plain sight.
First, think about all the things you definitely don’t want to be taken away from you. Things that you need, like your phone, or things that you’re emotionally attached to, like any piece of jewelry. If you’re out and about, don’t get these objects out. In case of doubt, ask a local you trust if it’s dangerous to use/wear them in public.
6. Help yourself.
Always try to keep a distance of 20 meters between you and any suspect. Criminals need to come near to attack, so their biggest enemy will always be space.
If you come across any suspicious situation, walk or drive pass by it and then evaluate the situation: Should you intervene? Should you get out of there as soon as possible?
Never stay inside a parked car. This will make you the perfect victim. You’re alone, in a car they can get into and possibly carrying pricey things. Just don’t do it.
Lastly, never use ATMs at night. Plan your withdrawals and do then in safe places where there’s security staff. Besides, even though it’s kind of obvious, never accept help in an ATM unless you really trust whoever is offering help.
In summary, you just need to be extra cautious of your belongings and the people that surround you. As long as you’ve got someone who you can trust and that knows the drill of the city or town you’re visiting, you’ll be fine.
In case you do get robbed…
If you’re really unlucky and find yourself in a dangerous situation, just remember these 5 literal life hacks:
- Keep calm and keep your hands where the assaulter can see them.
- Make the aggressor feel as if they are in control and don’t create situations where they feel like they’re losing it. This will be a lot better for you.
- Comply quickly but calmly. Don’t resist. Give everything they ask for.
- Never react against physical aggression against yourself or your companions.
- Don’t risk yourself if you’re not properly trained. Any type of physical strength is never enough against an actual firearm.
Truth is that, even if Venezuela is one of the most dangerous places in the world, many tourists have been able to visit its beautiful destinations and find relieve without experiencing anything that actually risked their lives.
Your family and friend’s concerns are valid, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to have the time of your life in this beautiful and surprising country.
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